Downing: We paid the price

Stewart Downing admits Liverpool paid the price for missed chances against Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday evening but insists the Europa League last 32 tie is far from over.

The Reds went down to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Russia in a game where they created several golden opportunities to open the scoring.

Ultimately, late strikes from Hulk and Sergei Semak settled the outcome of the match - but Downing believes with another 90 minutes to play, Zenit can take nothing for granted.

He told LFC TV in Russia: "It's disappointing. For 70 minutes it was a good away performance.

"But they've got some quality players and they showed that. Hulk was quiet for large periods but he came up with something special.

"The tie is still open. We'll be back at Anfield and we have to try and win the game."

He added: "They started well and put us under a little bit of pressure, but with the chances we had, especially coming here, it's quite hostile and they had plenty of the ball, but we still had five or six chances to win the game."

Downing echoed the comments of captain Steven Gerrard, who explained why Liverpool fans can help make a difference in next week's return meeting.

But the winger warned the Reds cannot be found guilty of profligacy against Zenit for a second time.

"In the home leg, we'll have to finish the chances we get," added Downing. "They're liable to hit us on the counter attack because they're that kind of team.

"Anfield is special on European nights and that will be another. There is hard work ahead of us, but I am confident we can get goals because coming here we proved we can create chances."